Iranian diplomat seeks US rationality as Qatari ship hit

Talks in Doha aim to keep the Middle East from sliding back into full war.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that negotiators are currently in Qatar working on a specific proposal. The plan would reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days if the United States agrees to several conditions. Araghchi stated that no direct talks are taking place between the two countries. Instead, mediators are handling the process. He said the final outcome depends on answers the U.S. provides to Iranian questions.

In an interview posted to his Telegram channel, Araghchi expressed hope that Washington would choose diplomacy over other options. He said Iran is prepared for both defense and diplomacy. That preparation depends on what he called the rationality of the United States.

This diplomatic push comes as violence continues in the region. Israeli strikes in Gaza killed eight people on Sunday. Five people died in a strike on the city of Khan Younis, according to Nasser Hospital. Three more died in Gaza City, including a four-year-old boy, according to Shifa Hospital. A woman was also seriously wounded in that strike.

The Israeli military said it targeted militants in Khan Younis and one Hamas fighter in northern Gaza. A ceasefire signed in October 2025 has stopped major fighting, but strikes continue almost daily. Gaza’s Health Ministry says more than 1,570 Palestinians have died since the truce began. That brings the total death toll of the war to more than 74,500. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and militants.

Israel says its strikes target military groups and accuses Hamas of using civilians as shields.

In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthi rebels reported two airstrikes on the University of Hodeida’s medical school. The Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV channel carried the report. The rebels blamed Saudi Arabia for the strikes. The Saudi-led coalition said it conducted a precision operation but gave no immediate details on casualties. Hodeida has faced repeated attacks since fighting escalated between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces.

Qatar’s state gas shipping company Nakilat said one of its vessels was struck in the Persian Gulf. The company, officially known as Qatar Gas Transport Co., identified the ship as the Al Mayeda. It reported that unidentified objects hit the vessel Friday night. No crew members were injured, and the company said there was no environmental impact. The ship remains operational.

Nakilat did not say who fired the objects. Iran has previously claimed attacks on ships in the area. It has warned vessels not to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without permission. Qatar’s foreign ministry condemned the incident and said officials are investigating. The ministry noted that such attacks risk damage to marine life.

The United Nations called for an investigation into the death of a human rights staffer held by the Houthis. Mohammad el Shami had been in custody since June 2024. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the Houthis never provided proof of life or updates on his well-being. A World Food Program worker died in Houthi custody in February 2025.

Iran also moved to escalate tensions with the United Kingdom. State news agency IRNA reported that Iran designated the British navy and air force as terrorist organizations. It also declared the MI6 intelligence service a hostile entity. The Iranian Foreign Ministry accused the U.K. of supporting U.S. and Israeli attacks by providing military bases and logistical support. The designation could allow Iran to prosecute individuals accused of working with MI6 under its own laws.

Iranian negotiators remain in Qatar for the next two days. They are waiting for the U.S. to respond to their conditions regarding the Strait of Hormuz.